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IPF Coughing and GERD. GOOD NEWS

Posted , 3 users are following.

epictetus1939
epictetus1939

I have just been diagnosed with IPF with a lot of coughing and abdominal pain.  I also have been treated for symptoms of post Nasal Drip for several years constantly having to cough up mucus from my throat. I went to an ENT consultant who told me I did NOT have PND and it was GERD (Gastric reflux).  He also said this can cause IPF.  (I dont think he is correct about this.)  Anyway I am now being treated with Lansoprazole and all the symptoms of cough and abdominal pain have gone.  I feel so much better and relieved to hear that the coughing and pain was not caused by IPF.  I now just have the IPF to contend with but I cant get Nintedanib on the NHS because my lung function is too good.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • hope61937
    hope61937 epictetus1939

    Posted

    Hi epictetus 1939, what is your lung function? Mine at last check was 50% my pulse test was 96. I was told that my terrible cough was a symptom of ipf, so is always with me.
    • epictetus1939
      epictetus1939 hope61937

      Posted

      Hello Hope thanks for your post.

      My lung function is 106% of normal so I have been diagnosed early.

      I think that in this day and age you should not have to endure severe coughing. Based on my experience alone I would recommend you get your stomach acid/possible reflux checked it is not a difficult test.  i found I was coughing mucus but it was not from my lungs it was caused buy stomach acid actng on my throat,  I did not know the throat can produce mucus.

      I think you can get prescribed codene or morphine based medication which can be very useful in supressing coughing.

      Anyway my best wishes and thanks again for replying.

    • epictetus1939
      epictetus1939 hope61937

      Posted

      Hello Hope thanks for your post.

      My lung function is 106% of normal so I have been diagnosed early.

      I think that in this day and age you should not have to endure severe coughing. Based on my experience alone I would recommend you get your stomach acid/possible reflux checked it is not a difficult test.  i found I was coughing mucus but it was not from my lungs it was caused buy stomach acid actng on my throat,  I did not know the throat can produce mucus.

      I think you can get prescribed codene or morphine based medication which can be very useful in supressing coughing.

      Anyway my best wishes and thanks again for replying.

  • hope61937
    hope61937 epictetus1939

    Posted

    Thank you epictetus1939 I never thought of mucus coming from the throat. My cough starts from me getting sort of lump in the throat which gets more irritating which leads to coughing fits.

    I am glad your coughing stopped.

  • bob80691
    bob80691 epictetus1939

    Posted

    Hi epictetus1939.  My lung specialist has told me that there is a strong possibility that Idiopatic Pulmonary Fibrosis can be linked to GERD (Acid Reflux Disease) where the stomach acid can spill over into the lungs.  In my own case I was definately suffering from Acid Reflux prior to my IPF diagnosis.  If your specialist hasn't suggested it, in addition to your medication you should sleep with an elevated pillow.  I also have post nasal drip but my symptoms on that are some cough in the mornings and blowing my nose about a dozen times.  Good luck.

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